There's something distinct about a lot of French music - the passion, the swing, and the frivolity of it all combine to conjure up images of people wearing stripey tops and Berets at jaunty angles while sipping coffee next to the Eiffel tower. Possibly.

It's an idea which Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge have harnessed beautifully in Baby et Lulu - their new project focussing on French songs from the well known to the obscure, from fun bouncy romps to haunting ballads thick with emotions.

Abby was previously a part of Leonardo's Bride, and Lara is a part of the eclectic string quartet Fourplay.

Perhaps somewhat fittingly the pair trace the idea for Baby et Lulu back to a meeting at a cafe in Paris where Lara arrived with a book of early 20th century song under her arm.

They conspired to perform one song in French at a warehouse party and enjoyed it so much they decided to extend the concept, resulting in a debut album and a tour.

On stage Abby and Lara almost take on different characters, speaking in daggy French accents and taking the opportunity to be absorbed by the atmosphere of the music.

As they say, there's something very evocative of being in France in this music - it's full of romance, sophistication and beauty.

Although most of their set list is made up of songs from French composers, there's also a French version of the Leonardo's Bride song 'Even When I'm Sleeping' (retitled Meme Quand Je Dors).

As Abby explains they did a French version of the song not long after it was recorded and she would often sing the chorus in French during soundchecks, so it seemed like a natural thing to include in Baby et Lulu's canon.

They're already working on a potential song list for a follow up album and are currently touring Baby et Lulu - on the March long weekend they performed to big crowds during the Port Fairy Folk Festival.